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Copenhagen, Denmark: Albumedix has announced that it has signed a strategic research agreement with Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo. The three organisations will work together to improve understanding of the interaction between bioengineered albumin variants and the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn).

The aim will be to establish an in-depth molecular, cellular and in vivo understanding on how FcRn acts as a key player in homeostatic regulation of albumin and albumin-based therapeutics using state-of-the-art technologies and animal models.

Studying the interaction between albumin variants and the FcRn, the three organisations will use Albumedix’ Veltis® albumin variants platform that have been developed jointly by the parties. Veltis® albumin variants with increased affinity to FcRn persist in the body considerably longer than native human albumin. Linking active drug candidates to the Veltis® albumin variants provides the potential to optimize dosing, efficacy and cost of systemically administered therapeutics.

“The scientists at Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo were previously instrumental in developing the Veltis® technology platform together with Albumedix. The continued interest from Albumedix in collaborating with them is a confirmation of the quality of their scientific work. The previous collaboration between the research groups in Oslo and Albumedix is and has been highly rewarding for both parties. We are looking forward to continue and deepening the collaborative effort to exploit top-science for the benefit of patients”, says Inven2, the tech transfer office for Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo.

Jan Terje Andersen, Head of The Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity and Homeostasis research group at Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo is currently undertaking a program of work to study the cellular processes and molecular interplay underlying the functions of the two most abundant proteins in blood, albumin and immunoglobulin G. The use of Albumedix’ proprietary Veltis® albumin variants will be key to these latest studies.

Jan Terje Andersen commented, “The Veltis® technology platform is based on ground-breaking science with enormous potential. We are convinced that the unique technology platform has a great potential for development of novel therapies with tailored delivery and improved performance. Therefore, we are delighted to extend our collaboration on gaining a more fundamental understanding of the FcRn-albumin biology, which will guide how albumin-based therapeutics should be designed to achieve favorable pharmacokinetics to the best for the patients’ medical need”.

Darrell Sleep, Chief Scientific Officer at Albumedix said, “This collaboration is part of an ongoing program designed to unleash the great untapped potential and benefits of albumin which are integral to the development of differentiated biotherapeutics. Having strong relationships with world-class universities, such as the University of Oslo, is vital for us, ensuring that albumin-enabled therapeutics improve patient quality of life.”

About AlbumedixAlbumedix is a global, science-driven, biotechnology company focused on developing superior biopharmaceuticals utilizing our albumin-based drug enhancing technologies. Dedicated to Better Health, we partner with excellence to improve therapies for people with serious diseases. We are proud to be recognized as the world leader in recombinant human albumin and as passionate about albumin-enabled therapeutics as we were when we started 30 years ago. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with manufacturing and R&D in Nottingham, United Kingdom, with more than 100 people, all committed to improving patient quality of life. Albumedix® is a fully owned subsidiary of Novozymes A/S.